retail environment
Aldi checks out free check-out
Aldi has launched its first checkout-free store in Greenwich, London.
The budget supermarket’s new store will enable customers to put items in a bag and walk out of the store, without scanning the items or using a checkout first.
Customers will need to install the Aldi Shop&Go mobile app to enter the store.
The new store uses technology from California-based retail technology company AiFi and uses cameras to detect which products customers have picked up. Aldi then charges their account when they exit the store.
In addition, the new outlet will use facial age estimation technology, provided by London-based firm Yoti, to verify which customers are over the age of 25 when buying prohibited items such as alcohol and cigarettes.
The news comes as Aldi continues to attract new customers; it was the only major supermarket in the UK to see its sales grow during the three months to 26 December according to Kantar figures.
The supermarket said it had the best Christmas on record last year, attracting over half a million new customers from other supermarkets.
Increasing numbers of retailers are launching checkout-free stores. Amazon recently launched three new London stores which use its cashierless “Just Walk Out” technology.
The new Amazon Fresh stores in Chingford, Euston and Wandsworth brings the online giant’s grocery portfolio of stores to 15.
